Aspects of the present disclosure provide ultrasound systems and devices that provide for reduction of reverberation artifacts in ultrasound images by automatically changing imaging settings such as PRI or transmit/receive configuration based on detected amounts of reverberation in ultrasound images. In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor circuit in communication with an ultrasound probe. The processor circuit obtains a plurality of ultrasound images obtained using a plurality of different PRIs and/or pulse sequences, calculates an amount of reverberation artifacts in each of the plurality of ultrasound images, selects a pulse repetition interval and/or pulse sequence based on the amounts of reverberation artifacts in each of the plurality of ultrasound images, and controls the ultrasound transducer to obtain a reduced-reverberation ultrasound image using the selected pulse repetition interval or pulse sequence. The reduced-reverberation ultrasound image is then output to a display.
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3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the processor circuit is configured to calculate the intensity value for the non-tissue portion of each of the plurality of ultrasound images using a weighting algorithm, such that a first region of a respective ultrasound image near a focal point of the respective ultrasound image is assigned a greater weight than a second region of the respective ultrasound image away from the focal point of the respective ultrasound image.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems that enhance image quality by reducing artifacts caused by non-tissue components, such as reverberation or clutter. The apparatus includes an ultrasound imaging system that processes multiple ultrasound images to distinguish tissue from non-tissue portions. A processor circuit calculates intensity values for the non-tissue portions using a weighting algorithm that prioritizes regions near the focal point of each ultrasound image. Specifically, regions closer to the focal point are assigned higher weights than regions farther away, improving the accuracy of non-tissue detection and reducing artifacts. The system may also include a beamformer to generate the ultrasound images and a display to visualize the processed results. The weighting algorithm ensures that the most reliable data near the focal point has a stronger influence on the final image, enhancing overall image clarity and diagnostic accuracy. This approach is particularly useful in medical imaging where distinguishing tissue from artifacts is critical for accurate diagnosis.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the processor circuit is configured to determine the threshold based on the amount of reverberation artifacts in an ultrasound image of the plurality of ultrasound images associated with a maximum pulse repetition interval of the plurality of pulse repetition intervals.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging systems designed to reduce reverberation artifacts in medical imaging. Reverberation artifacts occur when ultrasound waves reflect multiple times between tissue layers, creating misleading echoes that degrade image quality. The invention addresses this by dynamically adjusting a threshold value used to filter or suppress these artifacts based on the severity of reverberation present in the ultrasound images. The system includes an ultrasound imaging device that captures multiple ultrasound images using different pulse repetition intervals (PRIs). A processor circuit analyzes these images to quantify the amount of reverberation artifacts, particularly focusing on the image associated with the maximum PRI. The processor then determines an optimal threshold value for artifact suppression based on this analysis. This threshold is used to filter or suppress reverberation artifacts in subsequent imaging, improving image clarity and diagnostic accuracy. The invention improves upon prior methods by dynamically adapting the threshold to the specific reverberation conditions in the captured images, rather than using a fixed or pre-determined threshold. This adaptive approach ensures more effective artifact reduction across varying tissue types and imaging scenarios. The system may also incorporate additional processing steps, such as beamforming or signal processing, to further enhance image quality.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the ultrasound transducer.
This invention relates to an apparatus for medical imaging, specifically using ultrasound technology to enhance diagnostic capabilities. The apparatus addresses the challenge of obtaining high-resolution, real-time imaging of internal body structures, which is critical for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. The core apparatus includes a housing containing electronic components for signal processing and data acquisition, along with a display for visualizing ultrasound images. The ultrasound transducer, a key component, emits and receives high-frequency sound waves to generate detailed images of tissues and organs. The transducer converts electrical signals into mechanical vibrations and vice versa, enabling the capture of reflected sound waves that form the basis of the ultrasound image. The apparatus may also include additional features such as adjustable settings for depth, gain, and frequency to optimize image quality based on the specific clinical application. The integration of the ultrasound transducer ensures precise and reliable imaging, making the apparatus suitable for various medical procedures, including obstetrics, cardiology, and vascular assessments. The design focuses on portability and ease of use, allowing healthcare professionals to perform imaging efficiently in different clinical settings.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein calculating the intensity value for the non-tissue portion of each of the plurality of ultrasound images comprises calculating the intensity value for the non-tissue portion of each of the plurality of ultrasound images using a weighting algorithm, such that a first region of a respective ultrasound image near a focal point of the respective ultrasound image is assigned a greater weight than a second region of the respective ultrasound image away from the focal point of the respective ultrasound image.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging, specifically improving image quality by enhancing non-tissue portions of ultrasound images. The problem addressed is the difficulty in accurately visualizing non-tissue structures, such as fluid-filled regions or boundaries, due to variations in signal intensity across the image. The solution involves calculating intensity values for non-tissue portions using a weighting algorithm that prioritizes regions near the focal point of the ultrasound beam. The algorithm assigns greater weight to areas close to the focal point, where image resolution and signal strength are typically higher, while reducing the influence of regions farther from the focal point. This approach ensures that non-tissue features are more consistently and accurately represented in the final image, improving diagnostic clarity. The method is part of a broader process that includes generating multiple ultrasound images, identifying non-tissue regions within those images, and adjusting their intensity values to enhance visibility. The weighting algorithm dynamically adjusts based on the spatial relationship between each region and the focal point, optimizing image quality across different depths and imaging conditions.
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining the threshold based on the amount of reverberation artifacts in an ultrasound image of the plurality of ultrasound images associated with a maximum pulse repetition interval of the plurality of pulse repetition intervals.
This invention relates to ultrasound imaging, specifically improving image quality by reducing reverberation artifacts. Reverberation artifacts occur when ultrasound waves reflect multiple times between structures, creating misleading echoes that degrade image clarity. The method involves analyzing a sequence of ultrasound images captured at different pulse repetition intervals (PRIs), which control the timing between transmitted ultrasound pulses. By comparing images taken at varying PRIs, the system identifies and mitigates reverberation artifacts, enhancing the accuracy of the final ultrasound image. The method includes determining a threshold value based on the severity of reverberation artifacts in an ultrasound image associated with the maximum PRI. This threshold is used to distinguish between true anatomical features and artifact-induced echoes. The system processes the sequence of images, applying the threshold to filter out or suppress reverberation artifacts while preserving relevant diagnostic information. This approach improves image quality by reducing false signals caused by reverberation, particularly in challenging imaging scenarios where multiple reflections are prevalent. The technique is applicable to medical ultrasound systems, enhancing diagnostic accuracy by providing clearer, artifact-reduced images.
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November 17, 2020
May 21, 2024
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